Reflecting on John 4:39-42
“We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know…”
We cannot convince people to put their confidence in Jesus.
They need to experience the goodness of Jesus for themselves.
This applies to witnessing, but it also applies to parenting.
This is the difference between first and second-hand faith.
We cannot convince people, but we can help them experience Jesus's goodness.
We do this when we seek to be like Jesus - loving, patient, merciful, etc.
As we reflect God's grace and goodness in Jesus, they can experience it.
But either way, words or actions, it is the Spirit Who reaches to the heart.
The Spirit works through our words and actions to make Jesus real.
This woman shares her own experience to bring people to Jesus.
Children are often convinced to believe in Jesus the same way.
But their faith needs to grow beyond believing because their parents say so.
We want them, and people, to hear and experience Jesus for themselves.
We help as midwives in the process, but the Spirit of Jesus makes it stick.
Pray that the people we love may hear and know Jesus for themselves!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You that I have heard and come to know You for myself. It is my experience of God's grace and goodness in You that have comforted, convicted and compelled me to follow. May the people I meet also experience You personally, to hear and know You for themselves!
As His disciples followed Jesus to become like Him so I too need to do the same. i need to continue to practice daily to walking in the way led by His Spirit. Grace and truth shall mark that Way. As I live for You may others see Christ in me so that they too are led by your spirit to walk daily with You. Open all of our eyes and ears Lord so that we see your presence and hear Your voice as we live for Jesus.